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Colletti says trade for top-tier pitcher is unlikely

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Ned Colletti (left) said he isn't interested in trading top prospects.

By Ken Gurnick
/
MLB.com |

SAN FRANCISCO -- Citing the constraints of limited supply and widespread demand five days before the Trade Deadline, Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti indicated on Saturday that he's not close to acquiring a significant pitcher.

"We may not do anything. We still have a club with upside to it," said Colletti. "There's still more from this club as it's constituted. But historically, we've been active in July and August, too. We'll see what we can do.

"I think we have the players here that can win."

Adding to previous speculation regarding deals for Tampa Bay's David Price and Philadelphia's Cole Hamels, the name of Boston's Jon Lester is circulating in Dodgers circles, although Colletti said he still isn't interested in trading the organization's three elite prospects -- Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Julio Urias -- that it would take in some combination to land an elite veteran pitcher.

He likened the endless search for pitching to a traveler embarking on a trip through the desert making sure he has enough gas and water. He said he's open to obtaining a setup reliever or a starter.

"I'm not sure we can be choosy," he said.

Colletti also indicated that the club isn't convinced Pederson is ready to make his Major League debut with a key role in a pennant race.

"He's got things to work on, and he knows it," said Colletti. "I met with him one on one when he was in Arizona rehabbing [a shoulder separation] and asked where he thinks he's at. He's got a good perspective on what he needs to do to get better."

Colletti said hitting left-handed pitching and cutting down on strikeouts are two goals for Pederson.

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.